How Aaron Donald's career compares to other 2014 first-round draft picks
Los Angeles Rams star pass-rusher Aaron Donald has announced his retirement from the NFL after a decade-long career.
The 32-year-old Donald posted on social media that he did not take his time with the Rams for granted.
"I have dedicated myself to football both mentally and physically throughout my career. I worked 365 days a year to become the best possible player I could be. I respect this game like no other and feel blessed to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not everyone gets drafted to a team, wins a World Championship with that team, and retires with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted," he stated in a message on social media.
NFL: Aaron Donald, Rams great and three-time NFL Defensive Player of Year, retires at 32
Cheers to what’s next. Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support over these last 10 years. Much love. 🍾🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/edGxkUYdLz
— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 15, 2024
Donald's career compared to 2014 first-round picks
The Los Angeles Rams selected Aaron Donald 13th in the 2014 NFL Draft, right after the New York Giants selected Odell Beckham Jr. as the 12th pick.
The Pittsburgh native has an impressive resume. Donald is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, a 10-time Pro Bowler, an eight-time All-Pro, and a Super Bowl LVI champion.
In Donald's 10-year career with the Los Angeles Rams, he recorded 111 sacks, 337 unassisted, and 205 assisted tackles.
Here is how he compares with some other top members of his draft class.
2014 NFL Draft No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has recorded 52.5 sacks, consisting of 248 unassisted and 115 assisted tackles. Clowney has made three Pro Bowls.
He played for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2023 season. He is currently a free agent and is exploring potential landing spots for the upcoming season.
2014 NFL Draft No. 5 pick: Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack, the No. 5 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, recorded a total of 101.5 sacks, 442 unassisted tackles, and 148 assisted tackles. Mack has made eight Pro Bowls, three All-Pro teams and won one Defensive Player of the Year.
He has recently agreed to restructure his contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. His salary has been reduced from $23.25 million to $19 million. Additionally, according to the NFL Network, he cannot be franchise-tagged in 2025.
2014 NFL Draft No. 7 pick: Mike Evans
Mike Evans has built a Hall-of-Fame-worthy resume ever since he was selected No. 7 overall in the 2014 draft. He has been named to five Pro Bowls and recently became the first player to ever begin his career with 10 seasons of 1,000 receiving yards.
He resigned with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this offseason.
2014 NFL Draft No. 16 pick: Zack Martin
Zack Martin, who was the No.16 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has been named to Pro Bowl nine times in ten years and an All-Pro seven times. Martin has made nine Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro teams.
He also recently reworked his contract with the Dallas Cowboys heading into the 2024 season.
NFL: Odell Beckham Jr. landing spots: Bills and other teams that could use former Ravens WR
Full list: 2014 NFL Draft 1st round
1 | HOU | Jadeveon Clowney |
2 | STL | Greg Robinson |
3 | JAX | Blake Bortles |
4 | BUF | Sammy Watkins |
5 | OAK | Khalil Mack |
6 | ATL | Jake Matthews |
7 | TAM | Mike Evans |
8 | CLE | Justin Gilbert |
9 | MIN | Anthony Barr |
10 | DET | Eric Ebron |
11 | TEN | Taylor Lewan |
12 | NYG | Odell Beckham Jr. |
13 | STL | Aaron Donald |
14 | CHI | Kyle Fuller |
15 | PIT | Ryan Shazier |
16 | DAL | Zack Martin |
17 | BAL | C.J. Mosley |
18 | NYJ | Calvin Pryor |
19 | MIA | Ja'Wuan James |
20 | NOR | Brandin Cooks |
21 | GNB | Ha Ha Clinton-Dix |
22 | CLE | Johnny Manziel |
23 | KAN | Dee Ford |
24 | CIN | Darqueze Dennard |
25 | SDG | Jason Verrett |
26 | PHI | Marcus Smith |
27 | ARI | Deone Bucannon |
28 | CAR | Kelvin Benjamin |
29 | NWE | Dominique Easley |
30 | SFO | Jimmie Ward |
31 | DEN | Bradley Roby |
32 | MIN | Teddy Bridgewater |
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aaron Donald NFL Draft: How he stacks up with 2014 1st round picks